Paths of Righteousness

The following lesson coordinates well with our Good Shepherd - Psalm 23 Bible lessons for kids. I'd love to receive your feedback. Do you use these free lessons in your ministry or am I just writing into the internet ether?

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Ask and Discuss
The Good Shepherd leads us, but does that mean we, as Jesus’ followers, always choose the right path and the right way of living?

What do we do when we stray, and what can we do to make things right with God?

(Receive answers.)

(Write 1 John 1:9 on the board. Leave underlined blanks for the bolded words. As you explain the words, fill in the blank.)

Read 1 John 1:9: 
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Let’s talk about this verse.

Confess: To fully agree with God about our sin—to admit that what we did, or failed to do, was wrong.

Can you think of some examples? (Receive answers.)

Sins: The particular word for sins used here means “missing the mark.” The mark or goal is to be like God. Our sins separate us from God. Yet, the Bible tells us to "be perfect" Matthew 5:48. We've got a big problem, don't we?!

(Create a target, a bull's-eye or trash can, and shoot a suction arrow or wad of paper toward it. Make sure the target is far enough away so that children cannot be successful at hitting it. Give a few children, or all the children if time allows, the opportunity to hit the target. Some will get closer than others.)

When an archer shoots an arrow, the goal is to hit the center of the target. If the arrow goes anywhere else, it has missed the mark. It might miss by a little or by a lot, but it still misses.

We miss God’s mark when we do something we should not do or when we fail to do something we should do. Some of you got closer than others at hitting the target, but all missed. Likewise, some of us obey God better than others, but we all miss being perfect like God is perfect. 

Keep reading.

Even There
Finding God in the Places I Never Wanted to Go

Some places in life we choose. Others we would give anything to escape.

My new book, Even There, is a short, true testimony of how the words of Psalm 139 have intersected with my life again and again--from a lonely childhood to a life-threatening diagnosis, overwhelming anxiety, devastating loss, and years of caring for my severely disabled husband.

This isn't a story of a trouble-free faith. It's for anyone who has suffered, questioned, waited, or wondered where God is when life doesn't turn out the way they anticipated.

My hope is that as you read my story, you'll be encouraged to look at Psalm 139 again and consider how its words intersect with your story too.

There is nowhere suffering can take us where God is not already there.

Even There: Finding God in the Places I Never Wanted to Go 
is now available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.

Read Even There on Amazon →

I pray this encourages you. And if it does, please share the link with someone else who needs encouragement!
Sarah Keith <><

I love reading your comments! Email me at: sstn@sundayschoolnetwork.com

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Sarah Keith

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